Ontario’s oldest tree grows on the cliff of an iconic ‘lion’ rock formation

Need a fall trip idea? Not only is the Bruce Peninsula famous for its sparkling blue water and beautiful cliffs, but it is also home to the oldest tree in Ontario. Here’s what to know.

Old-growth forests are very important to the ecosystem because they provide habitats for a huge variety of flora and fauna.

Ontario’s landscape has undergone big changes through the years, since European settlers arrived. The province had many old-growth forests, but some can still be found today, according to the Network of Nature.

What is an old-growth forest?

Per the Haldimand County, Old-growth forests are those that covered Ontario before European settlement. They were a patchwork of forest environments in different stages of growth.

“They included large, unbroken tracts of mature forest, which we call old-growth, as well as younger stands, meadows, prairies, savannas, wetlands and openings of various sizes,” reads the site.

The oldest tree in Ontario

Though the province is home to a number of old-growth forests, you’ll find one of the oldest trees along the limestone cliffs of the Bruce peninsula.

According to the Raisin Region Conservation Authority, the oldest known tree In Ontario can be found on the cliffs of Lion’s Head.

“The oldest known tree in Ontario is a white cedar, growing on the cliffs of Lion’s Head Provincial Park. This tree germinated in 688 AD, making it approximately 1300 years old,” shares the site.

Ancient trees can be found in several other parts of the province too.

Algonquin Provincial Park, which is Canada’s oldest provincial park, is also home to some of the oldest trees in the country.

It’s home to 500-year-old Hemlock trees, making these trees some of the oldest Hemlocks in the world.

Ancient forests can also be found at Rondeau Provincial Park, home to “some of the last remaining old growth Carolinian forest in Ontario,” says Network of Nature.

There’s lots to explore in the province so be sure to add the oldest tree in Ontario to your bucket list.

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